Confident Bangladesh set to face India in Test series

BANGLADESH will look to build on their first-ever Test series victory over Pakistan as they face India in a two-match series starting in Chennai on Thursday.

The 2-0 win over Pakistan last month brought celebrations at home after a period of political turmoil and unrest in Bangladesh. However, the upcoming series in India presents a greater challenge. Bangladesh has never won a Test against India, with 11 losses and two draws from their 13 previous encounters. The two draws came at home in 2007 and 2015.

“This will be a challenging series for us,” said Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto ahead of the first Test. “But after a good series against Pakistan, there is extra confidence in our team and among the people of the country.”

India are considered strong favourites for the series, but Bangladesh head to Chennai with several key players in good form. Mushfiqur Rahim scored 216 runs in the Pakistan series, while off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the leading wicket-taker with 10 dismissals.

Political issues remain a backdrop to the series. Star player Shakib Al Hasan, 37, a former lawmaker from the recently ousted government of ex-prime minister Sheikh Hasina, is facing a legal case. He is accused of being culpable in the police killing of protesters during the recent unrest. Shakib left for England to play county cricket for Surrey after playing a key role in Bangladesh's success in Pakistan.

“As for Shakib, I am hopeful that he will do well,” Najmul said. “He has been in good form with the ball.”

Bangladesh’s bowling attack will be bolstered by Nahid Rana, a pace bowler who impressed in Pakistan by clocking speeds over 146 kph. Wicketkeeper Jaker Ali joins the squad in place of fast bowler Shoriful Islam, who withdrew due to injury.

For India, captain Rohit Sharma will rely on spinners Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel to exploit the conditions, while Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will lead the pace attack in the absence of Mohammed Shami, who is recovering from ankle surgery.

India welcome back Rishabh Pant, who is returning to the Test squad for the first time since his near-fatal car crash in December 2022. Pant is expected to replace Dhruv Jurel behind the stumps. Virat Kohli also returns to the side, playing his first Test since January.

The series marks Gautam Gambhir’s debut as India’s Test coach. The second Test will be held in Kanpur from September 27, and both matches are part of the World Test Championship. India currently lead the standings ahead of Australia.

After the Tests, the teams will play a three-match Twenty20 series starting on October 6 in Gwalior. The series will then move to New Delhi on October 9, before concluding in Hyderabad on October 12.

(With inputs from AFP)